Having labwork obtained during periods of apparent health from our patients offers tremendous value. Vector-borne disease pathogen screening and routine fecal testing contributes to patient and human health, and provides infectious disease surveillance, along with raising awareness of emerging parasites. The development of patient-specific reference values for their minimum database allows for more sensitive detection of abnormalities before they cross the clinical threshold. In this session, we will discuss clinical cases that highlight the power in such wellness testing and screening, taking into consideration the importance of practicing across the spectrum of care and sharing practical tips for communicating the value of such diagnostics to our clients.

As practitioners, we know the inherent value in performing diagnostic testing that may be needed to inform appropriate case management. As a matter of fact, we often are reliant on those test results for diagnosing complicated cases. But how do we best communicate the value in such testing to clients? And how do we offer contextualized care that balances the clients' concerns, the pets' needs, and our own? In this session, we will walk through complex clinical cases and the diagnostics performed in order to provide appropriate care. Along the way, we will address the critical conversations with pet parents about such testing as we practice across the spectrum of care."